"Do you notice that they woman mentioned in Proverbs 31 is clothed in fine linen and purple, strength and dignity (vv. 22, 25)? It doesn't say she puts on her ratty sweatpants and old T-shirt to go about her business. She takes some time with herself." -pg. 12

Shari Braendel is a popular Christian fashion speaker who has now listed her fashion advice and techniques in the book, Good Girls Don't have to Dress Bad. She gives different ideas for the various body shapes, colors, and styles, all of which are much more dignified and modest than any fashion advice given from secular sources.

My Thoughts:

Much of this book is great. For the advice on color selection, many of the various modesty tips, the helpful hints about accessories, etc, it is very beneficial .

However, I found myself strongly disagreeing with Mrs. Braendel in one crucial chapter - the swimsuit chapter. While I do agree with her that bikinis are immodest, I would also add that most one piece swimsuits are also much too revealing. Therefore, I was greatly saddened to see that there were many swimsuits modeled which were far from modest. One was strapless, others were too low, and still others were just too skimpy in general.

While it is hard to find modest swimwear nowadays, it does exist when one wishes to look for it. One easy solution is to find a swimsuit with a modest top and wear board shorts with it. Other ideas include making your own or buying one online.

Hence, a book which could have received 9 stars goes way down, and I regret to inform you that I cannot highly recommend this book. :/ If you do get it, I wouldn't leave it laying around where unsuspecting eyes might see things they shouldn't.

{Other note: I noticed a few "minced" swear words in here.}

Rating:

6 out of 10 stars

Note:

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not otherwise compensated for my time.

Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad is an excellent resource for women. No matter what your size, no matter what your style, Shari has done the work for you so you can easily understand what to wear to look your best.

What is your body type?

What is your clothing style?

What are your best colors?

What shape is your face? (Important to know in order to choose the right hair style and the best shape of glasses.)

What accessories will look best on you?

The author offers great advice in building a basic wardrobe so that you don't have to invest a lot of money in order to have a great style. She also helps you to look at your present wardrobe and realistically go through it with an eye towards what will work for you and what won't.

One of my favorite parts of this great book is her section on modesty. In a chapter called Skin Isn't In, the author explains how to dress in a stylish fashion without being indiscreet. In a show of bold honesty, she helps women and young ladies to understand how showing bellies or your private parts can cause men to lust after you. Moreover, she shows how modesty is honoring to Christ. You just gotta love that!

Overall, I highly recommend this book for any woman who wants to honor God and look her best.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan for purposes of review. I was not required to give a positive review, only a fair and honest one. My opinions are my own.

As a mom of four, and a mid thirties woman I sometimes wonder what my style is...I do not want to compete with my teen aged daughter for cute sporty wear, and yet I don't want to look 'mature' either...what is a girl to do? Well, I have just finished reviewing , Good girls don't have to Dress Bad by Shari Braendel, from Zondervan publishing company. I read through the book re-affirming my colour palette, and body shape, learning about which hair style look best, and of course the dreaded jean and swimsuit section. Shari teaches in a matter of fact, easy to understand way, the pros and cons of your wardrobe choices and how this determines how others perceive you. I have heard or read most of the information that I found in this book before, but I found it very interesting to see the pictures and drawings though out. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. I received this book from Zondervan Publishing Company for purpose of review

When I first looked at this book, I thought itd just be about modesty. Im all for modesty, so I decided I wanted to read it.Opening the pages, I discovered its a whole lot more! I am very self-conscious when it comes to my appearance. Im overweight, feel like a Plain Jane and dont want any attention drawn to me. However, on the inside, I want to feel pretty and be in style. This book tells a girl how to do it, without betraying ones modesty.Looking through this book, a girl can learn so much. I can feel and be more attractive simply by using the books guidelines for makeup, hair styles and clothing that are specific to my body type, skin and hair. I love that the books audience is realisticwomen who are not cardboard thin airbrushed models.I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad by Shari Braendel is a thoroughly enjoyable and positively encouraging book for Christian women. I've dropped over thirty pounds in the last year, and so I've been making over my wardrobe. I've also been spending a lot of time trying to figure out what looks best on me, so Shari's book was truly a Godsend for me. She breaks it down from body type to coloring to face shape to help readers figure out what clothes are flattering and what clothes must be avoided at all costs. I learned that I'm doing well to stick with the solid colors I usually do, but the muted tones I've been buying don't do anything for me. I've also been planning to get highlights all summer, but according to the book, I am the one coloring that should avoid them at all costs! I'm so glad that I procrastinated. The book is a lot of fun to read. My teenage daughter and I took turns looking through it and figuring out where we fit. We also discovered that we are both wearing the wrong bra size! Braendel is always encouraging and uplifting; she genuinely wants readers to feel how beautiful they are and to embrace it. I learned a lot of new ideas, including the 16 point rule, and this book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.